Mr Alexr Greaves, who came directly here from Victoria proceeds
to Texas. I have told him to go direct to your house—he is the
most useful man for an office I have ever seen in this country—rigidly
moral, industrious, and in every respect worthy of confidence—his
knowledge of the Spanish is most accurate—you will discover that
his general knowledge of human nature and of mankind is not quite
as extensive as that of some men, but his judgement in general is
very correct. I think him a very worthy man-—a better man could
not be found for the Secretary of the Ayto either of Austin, or of
Brazoria.

I send you the law extending the privilege of introducing certain
articles free of duty in Texas for two years—it is not as extensive
as we need. I wish the Ayto. to petition again on this subject, and
ask for a modification of this new law, so as to leave out whiskey
and lumber from the law, and include all tools made of iron and
wood used for farming or the trades—furniture—carte and
waggons—iron and steel—cotton baging and bale rope.

It will not do to go any farther, and nothing else ought to be
included or mentioned in the petition. Send one original copy to
Genl Teran and one to the Minister of Hacienda—also let the Ayto.
write an official letter to Bradburn, Piedras, and Elosua, enclosing
the memorial, and requesting each of them to give his opinion in
writing to the Comt Genl Teran on the subject. If their opinions
are all favourable Teran will also support it, and the measure will
succeed. Also request father Muldoon to write to his friends on
the subject.

The news papers will have informed you of the political state of
affairs in Mexico—we have no information here as to who are to
compose the new ministry. Some think the revolution will stop
with the removal of the ministers, others are confident it will not.
I think myself that not much quietness can be expected untill after
the Presidential election is over—and even then—-quien sabe.

Genl Teran has gained much credit with moderate men for
avoiding bloodshed—but he has also lost with the same men, and with
everyone except fanatic fools and old Spaniards, for the manner in
which he has spoken of foreigners in his letter to Moctezuma
written from here, and his Altamira proclamation both of which
you have seen published, the latter begins " Ya lo habéis visto." I
sincerely believe that neither of those papers contains his real
sentiments as to foreigners—but most people are in the habit of judging
of a man by what he says, and not by what he thinks, and for this
reason I think those two papers will do the Genl great harm both
at home and abroad. They will also irritate the other party
excessively, for they contain a direct charge that the Santana party
are the mere tools of foreigners, which is certainly an incorrect
charge.

The Genl was greatly perplexed, and overwhelmed with affairs
when I saw him at the cojo. He had just retreated from Tampico—
had just heard of the removal of the ministers—was not in very
good health, and in a camp in the midst of his army, of course not
in a situation to talk much about Texas matters—however, we had
considerable conversation on the subject. He expresses great
interest for the prosperity of the settlers—is in favor of repealing the
11 Article of the law of 6 April and of extending the commercial
privileges. He told me that he had sent on Fishers resignation to
the Govt, to be acted on by the President as he might deem proper
etc. etc.

He says that what the Settlers need for their own use is of no
consequence, and if goods could be prevented from being taken from
Texas to the interior, no custom house would be established there for
many years—but he says that the importations there for the purpose
of the interior trade reduces the revenue of of this port, and defrauds
the Govt. etc. I told him that the person who made such a report
to him stated what was false. He said that every indulgence would
be allowed on all articles for the necessary use of the settlers, but
that the utmost rigor would be used as to light and fancy dry goods,
suitable for the interior trade. By the by this interior trade has
never been carried on from Brazoria or Galveston—it is a loosing
business at best, and I hope for the future our merchants will let
it alone. It is more important at this time to encourage the farmers
than the merchants.

I shall go to Monterrey and try to enlist some friends there who
have influence in Mexico to use it with the new administration in
favor of a repeal of the 11 Article of the law of 6 April. I have
every confidence that, that law will be modified. I shall probably
be in Saltillo in July where I shall expect letters from you, giving
me the news as to how the colony is getting on. I hear you had a
very wet spring and have fine prospects for crops.

Remember me particularly to Padre Muldoon and all others.
These long trips in the sun through such a wilderness as this
country totally destitute of every comfort for the traveller, are truly
wearisome to the body, to the health, to the patience and to the mind,
but if I can do any good to the colony I shall feel myself well
compensated for all.